Getting a single DUI can and should be a life-altering experience. It may put into perspective different elements of one’s lifestyle, and the initial consequences can be severe depending on the circumstances of your first DUI.
But what happens when you get a second DUI?
Let’s take a look.
What Happens When You Get a Second DUI?
Every consequent DUI you receive will come with more significant penalties. You might get off of the first one without mandatory jail time, but there will likely be significant fines and suspensions depending on the state in which you live.
The second DUI, though, will almost always bring jail time. That could mean anywhere from 30 days to one year in jail if you don’t get out on bail or have some unusual circumstances in court.
Additionally, your license may be suspended for up to three years. You’ll also experience significant fines ranging up to $1,000 in most cases.
Further Consequences
It’s also important to consider the ripple effects that one or two DUIs can have on a person’s life. For example, going to jail for a period of even 30 days could jeopardize your ability to keep your job.
Additionally, having these instances on a criminal record could prevent you from getting jobs in the same pay range that you currently enjoy. You may also be ordered to go to treatment or recovery programs in order to legally return back to normal life.
This isn’t to mention that your transportation abilities will be seriously limited. Depending on the laws and regulations in your state and the number of DUIs that you have, you may not be able to drive for a period of years.
This can seriously get in the way of your ability to work and to stay in touch with friends and family members who don’t live in your immediate area.
Additionally, a second DUI might come in violation of the agreement that you made in your first DUI case. For example, an agreement to quit drinking or refrain from certain activities to get lower punishments in your first DUI would need to be violated for you to get another.
In that case, the repercussions of your first case could potentially come back around.
Seek Legal Counsel
Hiring an attorney is an extremely important thing to do if you’re facing your second DUI. While the reality is that there will be some consequences, you may be able to lessen those consequences with the help of an experienced attorney.
Hopefully, working with an attorney for your second DUI charge will help you to get into a position where you can still continue on with your life normally before too long.
Need Some Help?
If you’re figuring out what happens when you get a second DUI and are worried about a case you’re facing, we’re here to help. There’s no reason you can’t go through this process with a team on your side.
Contact us for more insight into how you can proceed and get the best outcome possible.
